Home Security Audit

Your home should be a sanctuary where you feel safe. Protecting your home from criminal intrusion, such as burglary, should be high on your list of priorities.

Burglary Information

A general definition of burglary is unlawful entry into a building for the purposes of committing an offense; usually that offense will be theft. Burglary is a non-confrontational property crime. Most burglars tend to survey a neighborhood looking for the right residence and the right opportunity. Becoming a burglary victim can leave a family feeling vulnerable and violated.

Home burglaries usually involve a selection process, which is fairly simple. Burglars choose unoccupied homes with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover and with the best escape routes.

Home Security Audit

The Orinda Police Department has launched an exciting new educational program for home safety and security. The intent of this program is to make your home more secure and increase personal safety for you, your family and your belongings. This Home Security Audit (PDF) will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. It will minimize the risk of you and your family becoming burglary victims and will assist in making your home unattractive to potential burglars.

Security Audit

If you are interested in having a member of the Orinda Police Department visit your home to perform a security audit, please contact the Police Department at 925-254-6820 to make an appointment. Appointments can be made Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to Noon and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Remember, don't be an easy target for burglars!

Risk Factors

Consider your home's risk factors.

Accessibility

Unlocked doors and windows are common ways a burglar enters a home. Lock all your doors and windows at night and every time you leave the house, even if it is just for a few minutes. Side or back doors are the most common point of entry so make sure they are secured with working deadbolt locks.

Vulnerability

Houses that have cover (trees and dense shrubs) near doors and windows are particularly vulnerable due to the concealment they provide for someone trying to break into a home. Keep tree branches trimmed off at least seven feet up to prevent access to windows or decks and keep shrubs well trimmed to eliminate hiding places.

Lighting

Make sure front and back doors are well lit and install motion (photocell) lights around the entire exterior of your home.

Alarm System

Install an adequate alarm system, maintain it, and use it!

Neighborhood Watch

Become a part of your Neighborhood Watch group or start one of your own. Having the extra sets of eyes and ears to call police about suspicious people or vehicles in your neighborhood can prevent a crime from occurring altogether.